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Banyana Banyana thrash Madagascar 4-0 in Olympic qualifier

Published

Banyana Banyana beat Madagascar 4-0 in the first leg of the second round of Olympic qualifiers at Free State Stadium on Friday. Striker Ronnel Donnelly, aged 22, scored a hat-trick in the match, which was played behind closed doors.

Donnelly scored her first hat-trick for the national team. Veteran forward Hildah Mogaia also scored. Coach Desiree Ellis started a youthful team, and Thembi Kgatlana and Amogelang Motau began on the bench.

Midfielder Linda Motlhalo said the team can still improve. She said: "we hold ourselves to high standards, so I think in terms of how we played, we can improve". Motlhalo also said mixing new and old players gives the new players experience.

The winners of the tie move to the third round, which has 16 nations left. Two teams will represent Africa at the 2028 Olympics.

Key facts

Who
Linda Motlhalo (Banyana Banyana midfielder); Ronnel Donnelly (Banyana Banyana striker, scored maiden national team hat-trick); Hildah Mogaia (Banyana Banyana veteran forward, scored); Desiree Ellis (Banyana coach)
What
South Africa's women's national team thrashed Madagascar 4-0 in the first leg of the second round of Olympic qualifiers, played behind closed doors at Free State Stadium. Midfielder Linda Motlhalo said the team can still improve.
When
9 October 2026
Where
Free State Stadium, Madagascar, South Africa
Status
Final result

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